Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-17-24

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Daily News from MuleTown to Music City and beyond. Listen to Tom Price read the news of the day from Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM & WKRM Radio.

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today
News Copy for September 17, 2024

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.
We start with local news…
Car Crash (MauryCountySource)
One person had to be extricated after four cars were involved in a crash on Sunday.
Around 9:20pm, units responded to a motor vehicle accident at Seavy Hight Rd and New Lewisburg Hwy in Maury County.
Units arrived to find four vehicles involved and one patient entrapped. Crews performed a side removal of one vehicle.
A total of 3 Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units responded for patients all of whom were in stable condition.

Two Wanted for Theft (MauryCountySource)
The Franklin Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating two brothers who are accused of multiple financial crimes targeting elderly victims.
According to a FPD news release, 24-year-old LeVarius Marquez Owens and 23-year-old LaDarius TreShawn Owens are both wanted by police on the charges of financial exploitation of the elderly, theft over $10,000, theft over $2,500, forgery and identity theft.
Police said that the brothers both reside in Columbia and may be traveling in a silver Chevy Impala with Tennessee tag BQZ5414.
FPD has not released any additional information, but are asking that anyone with information call [phone]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County by calling [phone] where tips that lead to an arrest could result in a $1,000 reward.

Maury Man Most Wanted Caught (Press Release)
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has successfully apprehended Michael Van Dobbs, a fugitive wanted for criminal homicide out of Maury County. Dobbs, 48, was taken into custody at approximately 7:00 PM near Garrison Road and Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County.
Dobbs, who is a suspect in the murder of Harold “B.J” Grisham, had been the subject of a multi-agency search after a TNMostWanted Alert was issued. He was last seen near the Garrison Creek Trail Head on the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail, wearing a maroon long-sleeve shirt and black shorts.
A tip from an alert citizen who recognized Dobbs in the area and immediately notified law enforcement enabled deputies to locate and apprehend Dobbs without incident.
Dobbs is now in custody and will face charges stemming from the criminal homicide investigation in Maury County.
Law enforcement would like to thank everyone who shared information and helped bring this situation to a safe conclusion.

$100M for MRMC Approved by Committee (MSM)
Up to $100 million in funding for a number of expansion projects at Maury Regional Medical Center received preliminary approval from Maury County’s Health & Environment Committee during the group’s Sept. 3 meeting.
“We have a lot of projects in the works; we have identified five Phase 1 projects that we consider transformational, because they’re really going to change the care of patients and the experience of patients that come to Maury Regional for care,” said Maury Regional Chief Executive Officer Martin Chaney, MD.
The five projects Chaney identified are: the pavilion orthopedic institute, labor & delivery expansion, behavioral health/emergency renovation, roads & parking and expansion of the lobby.
Chaney said one had begun, one was near starting and the others should start in 2025. While the hospital has self-funded much of the work thus far, Chaney said the hospital now needs help from Maury County to continue.
He presented committee members with what he called “turnkey” price estimates that reached $94 million. Additionally, Chaney estimated most of that expenditure would take place over two to three years.
“As you can see from the timeline, we’re going to have a time coming in 2025 when there’s going to be multiple projects going on, and the cash outlays will start coming in and be in larger amounts,” Chaney said. “We’re not sure when we’re going to actually need the money, but when we need it we want to be nimble enough to move and not delay projects.”
Chaney said the orthopedic institute would add 35,000 square feet on the Maury Regional campus and that this particular project was already underway. It would include a women’s center for breast wellness, as Chaney noted MRMC performs 39,000 mammograms annually.
While the language in the resolution calls for the bonds to be paid from both ad valorem (property) taxes and hospital revenues, Chaney pointed out that just like in other instances, Maury Regional would pay off the bonds without any need for county money. Part of the agreement with the county will also require the hospital to keep one year’s worth of debt payment in reserve.
“Maury Regional Health is expected to 100 percent fund the repayment of these bonds over a 20-year period,” Chaney said.
Asked what the hospital’s current debt obligations were, Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Binkley gave an estimate of around $32.3 million, saying the hospital could well handle that.
Commissioner Ray Jeter asked if the bond issuance would affect the county’s borrowing capacity and was told by Finance Director Doug Lukonen that it would not. Jeter also said that since interest from the $100 million would go to Maury Regional until the funds are spent, he would like to see a corresponding reduction in the county’s expected contribution to the ambulance service.
“You’re using our bonding capacity… that $2 million is coming from Maury County taxpayers and if there’s any way we can come back from that, I’d like to see that happen. It would be a win-win for everybody,” Jeter said.

City Applying for Tornado Siren Grant (CDH)
In an effort to provide better safety measures during a catastrophic event, Columbia City Council has applied for a grant that would fund an emergency alarm system within the downtown district.
The State of Tennessee Small Cities Development Block Grant program was a pursuit spawned by Columbia's recent tornado on May 8, which swept through the city's rural areas down Bear Creek Pike, leaving hundreds of homes damaged and resulting in one death.
"On May 8, we had an event affect our community that some folks are still recovering from," Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said.
"Hopefully, with this and everything going through on this grant, we in the very near future can have an early warning system, all comprehensive, that will notify and protect our community. It will give them a little more knowledge of what's going on before the event takes place. It's something we definitely need in our community and is well warranted."
Currently, Columbia does not have a citywide warning system, with only a limited range siren located at Columbia State Community College. The Office of Emergency Management recommends the new system feature a multi-faceted approach to emergency alerts, such as tone/voice sirens, wireless alerts or televised warnings.
As per the grant application, the city is seeking $420,000 through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Block Grant Program, with a total project budget of $525,000. If approved, the grant would also be funded 100% without any match or additional contribution required by the city, or the taxpayers.
Councilman Danny Coleman was also instrumental in working with Columbia Fire & Rescue staff to complete the grant application.
"With all of the tornadic activity that's been coming through, I wish we would have already had this in place, of course, but this will be incredible," Coleman said.
"I still remember that day picking my daughter up from school and her saying, 'I didn't hear any tornado sirens,' and I thought we had some, but we only had the one at the college. Hopefully, we'll be able to get something a little more comprehensive so that everybody around knows something serious is happening."
Council members also voted to apply for a new grant to fund the installation of 12 new pickleball and six tennis courts at Ridley Park.
The 2024 Blue Cross Healthy Places Grant would be funded up to $1 million for the project, if approved.
Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan said not only has the sport of pickleball grown in popularity, but its draw would also "fit right into" the economic impact other sports events at Ridley tend to bring in.
"Given that it's Ridley and the location, it will not only be for local use, but for our locals to form tournaments," Reagan said. "With our new economic formula, we're looking at bringing in about $23 million in economic impact at Ridley Park alone, along with premier girls softball bringing in about $20 million a year. This will fit really into what our original scope of play was ... and will hopefully bring us up to that whopping $30 million soon."
Reagan added that the pickleball and tennis courts will be separate, but can provide multiple uses, such as pop-up basketball tournaments.
"We can pull portable basketball goals out there and play on them. There are a lot of things we can do with it, but with the way pickleball has grown and has been, I think we can fill these courts up day one."
Vice Mayor Randy McBroom agreed, given that he has witnessed pickleball's popularity in Columbia in person.
"My daughter played in a tournament this past weekend, and I'd say at least 500 people came through there," McBroom said. "It was positive, music was playing and everyone was having a good time. We have a good facility here to do this."

City Maintains AA+ Rating (CDH)
The city of Columbia will maintain its AA+ bond credit rating, as well as receive its fifth consecutive Triple Crown status for financial reporting, according to city officials.
Bond issuances, which will fund construction of the city's new Wastewater Treatment Plant, resulted in approximately $10.5 million in net savings to taxpayers, a city press release says.
"This effective long-term financial planning and fiscal discipline for capital projects secured the city's AA+ status, the second highest awarded by Standard & Poor's (S&P)," the press release said.
The wastewater treatment plant is estimated to total approximately $95 million, $70 million of which was funded via bonds and remains the largest single building investment in the city's history.
In addition, S&P upgraded Columbia's financial management metric from "strong" to "very strong."
“This bond issuance is a critical step in our continued investment in Columbia’s infrastructure," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "By securing such favorable terms, we are not only meeting the needs of today but also laying a solid foundation for future generations. Our strong financial standing allows us to make these necessary improvements while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Columbia City Council approved the bond closing on July 11.
Elizabeth Zuelke of Raymond James served as financial advisor.
By timing the bond closing ahead of potential market disruptions due to the upcoming national election, the city was able to secure the best terms, the press release said.
“Initially, the interest rate for the new debt was modeled at 4.5%," Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski said. "At an actual borrowing rate of 3.8%, we are saving Columbia citizens considerably over the course of the 30-year life of the bonds.”
City Manager Tony Massey commented on the importance of the financial savings.
“Whenever we save money for the citizens of Columbia, it’s a good day," Massey said. "The fact that the rating agencies recognized the city’s strong financial position led to these significant savings. We are pleased the city will save approximately $10.5 million on the bond issuance for the construction of our wastewater treatment plant.”
In September, the city announced another major financial accomplishment after earning its fifth consecutive Triple Crown status from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
The awards include the Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award.
According to last year's data, Columbia was one of only three cities to receive the status.
"Receiving the Triple Crown for five consecutive years reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to transparency and fiscal responsibility," Molder said. "This recognition demonstrates Columbia’s commitment not only to responsible governance but also to producing annual budgets that clearly communicate our goals and priorities to the public."
In addition, Columbia as also awarded the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
“This recognition reassures our residents that we are providing clear and accessible financial information while laying a strong foundation for Columbia’s continued growth and success,” Massey said.
Jablonski, who also serves as Columbia's Chief Financial Officer, praised the city's financial staff.
“I am incredibly proud of our finance department team for their exceptional performance in achieving the Triple Crown recognition from the GFOA," Jablonski said.
"The FY 2025 budget award and Triple Crown status reaffirm our ongoing commitment to strong financial management. The City of Columbia takes pride in being fiscally responsible and transparent with taxpayers’ dollars, and this award highlights our dedication as responsible stewards of the city’s treasure.”

CA Trap Shooter Olympic Qualifying (Press Release)
Congratulations to Columbia Academy sophomore Taylor Sims, who recently had the incredible opportunity to enter the International Trap Men’s open and the Junior Olympic Championship competition for the State of Tennessee.
Competing against top World Olympic Athletes, including Paris Olympic champions, Taylor achieved an impressive 14th place in the Men’s Open category. His rank was based on cumulative scores; and while top Olympic athletes received additional points for previous placements, Taylor (competing for the first time) did not receive those extra points. Despite this, he outperformed several current USA National and International World Champions to earn his position.
In the Junior Olympic Men’s Under 18 category, Taylor excelled further, placing 1st and winning a gold medal after shooting 226 out of 250 targets. This was a qualifying event, using the two highest score from the Junior Olympics to determine a spot on the 2025 Junior Olympic Squad. Taylor needs one more qualifying score to secure his place.
Taylor Sims is the son of Deirdre and Eric Sims.

New Maury Regional Doc (Press Release)
 Charles Hunter Prejean, MD, has joined Maury Regional Medical Group and will provide services at Lewis Health Center serving Hohenwald and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Prejean received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, in St. George’s, Grenada. He completed a residency at Florida State University Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, FL.
At Lewis Health Center, Dr. Prejean, joins Jawaid Kamal, MD, and nurse practitioners Nicky Edwards, FNP-C, Ashley Hancock, CPNP-C, and Bailee M. Horton, FNP-C. Lewis Health Center provides a range of outpatient services including primary care, imaging, physical therapy, laboratory testing and a physician specialist clinic. It is designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) facility, meaning it provides a patient-centered medical home approach to primary care and allows income-based discounts for patient care as well as the services available. For more information facility please visit MauryRegional.com/LHC or call 931.796.4901.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…
Mr. Billy Joe Senter, 87, former longtime resident of New Cut Road in Columbia, died Saturday, September 14, 2024 at his granddaughter’s residence in Austin, Kentucky where he had made his home recently. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Philadelphia Cemetery on Fred White Road in Maury County. The family will visit with friends Tuesday following the service at the cemetery. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Danny Stinnett, 54, roadway mechanic for CSX, and resident of Hampshire, died Thursday, September 12 at Maury Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday September 18 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Worley Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday, September 17 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…
Comms Strike Ends (TheNewsTN)
After 30 days, members of the Communications Workers of America reached a tentative agreement with AT&T Southeast on Sunday.
According to a release, the strike was the longest in the telecommunication region's history. Members returned to work today after accepting the contract that covers 17,000 workers including technicians, customer service representatives and others who install, maintain and support AT&T’s residential and business network in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Tennessee AT&T workers were part of the strike and had been picketing outside of the 333 Commerce St. building in downtown Nashville since the strike began.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons and Rep. Bo Mitchell brought lunch to the union members at the picket line on Friday. Clemmons' grandfather was a CWA member and joined strikes in 1955 and 1971.
The newly reached five-year agreement includes wage increases of 19.33 percent with an additional 3 percent increase for wire technicians and utility operations. Health care costs were also a key part of the deal and will remain the same for the first year, decrease in years two and three and increase monthly over the final two years of the agreement.
"Our bargaining team has worked tirelessly to negotiate a contract that provides significant wage increases that reflect the hard work and dedication of our union members and a medical plan that ensures that our members and their families have affordable, comprehensive healthcare services," CWA district 3 vice president Richard Honeycutt said in the statement. "For every member who has walked a picket line, spoken out for the contract they deserved, or joined their coworkers for a union action, you built this."
The CWA also reached a tentative agreement with AT&T West after members previously rejected an agreement on Sept. 6. The agreement is for four years and covers 8,500 workers in California and Nevada.
Union members will hold ratification votes in their respective regions before the contracts are officially adopted.

National Voter Registration Day (Press Release)
As National Voter Registration Day approaches, Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging all eligible Tennesseans to register to vote.
“It has never been easier to register or cast a ballot in Tennessee,” said Secretary Hargett. “If you have not already registered, National Voter Registration Day is a great opportunity to do so.”
National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 17. The voter registration deadline for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 7. The fastest way for eligible Tennesseans to register, update, or check their status is through the free GoVoteTN App or online at GoVoteTN.gov.  
Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov, or download the free GoVoteTNApp.
 
Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)
Luke Grimes, known as Kayce on the popular show Yellowstone, is also a Mercury Nashville/Range Music recording artist who just announced a ten-day concert run.
Playin’ On The Tracks Tour will stop at the Ryman on November 14th with special guest Faith Carter.
Tickets are available now. Get them at www.ryman.com.